At the latest meeting of the Working Party on Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters (COPEN), which took place on 29 June, delegates received presentations from the Secretariat of the European Judicial Network (EJN) on the outcomes of its recent plenary meetings.
Hugh Dockry, Head of the EJN Secretariat, presented the conclusions of the 65th Plenary meeting of the EJN, held in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 5 to 7 November 2025, which focused on combating criminal organisations, crime as a service and cryptoassets. The presentation highlighted the increasing complexity of organised crime and the growing use of digital technologies and cryptoassets by criminal networks. It also underlined the importance of effective cross-border judicial cooperation, the exchange of best practices, and the continued role of the EJN in facilitating practical cooperation between judicial authorities.
The EJN Secretariat also presented the Report on the Future of the EJN, which was discussed during the 66th Plenary meeting of the EJN in Limassol, Cyprus, from 27 to 29 May 2026. The report explores ways to ensure that the EJN remains well equipped to respond to evolving forms of cross-border crime and the changing needs of judicial practitioners. It considers opportunities to further strengthen the Network's role, improve its tools and services, and enhance synergies with other actors in the European judicial cooperation landscape.
Whilst in Brussels, Hugh used the opportunity to meet with the Irish Permanent Representation to discuss preparations for the Irish Presidency.